Can't understand the manual? Can't follow what people are saying in BLOGS or sites like photo.net forums? Get to know what the terminology really means and how the technology works. Covers all of the basics.

Everything you find on the net will point you to the use of Photoshop for processing your digital photos. If you're just starting out, begin with Elements. Even if you did get software with your camera, still consider Photoshop -- 99% of the help on the web and just about every book, magazine, blog and forum has Photoshop resources) [Mac users: Buy v4 for OSX]

Did your camera come with a kit lens? If you find that that lens just isn't doing what you want, this one is a very nice next step up at a reasonable cost.

So, you want to shoot some sports and maybe some wildlife? Excellent starter lens in that direction. Why this lens and not the DO IS version at 3 times the cost? See bobatkins.com for a full run-down on that question and many other Canon lenses. Why the kit? Put a UV filter and hood on and leave them on. Why? Read Scott Kelby's book. ;}

So, you took your first flash photo. How's it look? Thought so. This is a decent entry-level flash, and you will need the diffuser, so just get the kit (What's a diffuser? What's flash exposure compensation? What's fill flash? Read the books) Why not the model cheaper than this? You'll want to bounce the flash. Why? Read the books. ;}